Update | Hours to avoid tragedy, protesters told as thousands attend peace rally
'Dangerous crossroads' ahead, warn moderates urging talks; the situation is evolving 'beyond control' says Leung, who demands clear streets
A stark warning was issued last night that Hong Kong is on the brink of a "tragedy" unless mainly student democracy protesters clear the streets and unblock the heart of the city's government.
With thousands of Occupy Central supporters cramming Admiralty for a peace rally to protest against attacks by triad thugs on Friday, the government's Tamar headquarters remained at the heart of week-long protests.
As students dug in at flashpoints across the city, two prominent moderate former Democratic Party members warned the city was at a very dangerous crossroads.
In a sombre web video, Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying said the government "strongly condemns all violent acts. The situation may probably evolve into a state beyond control, and will have serious consequences for public safety and social order".
Leung described as most "pressing" the need for 3,000 civil servants to be allowed back to work tomorrow morning and for protesters to clear the area outside the Tamar headquarters. Occupy leader Benny Tai responded that protesters would open a channel for civil servants to reach their offices.